Conflict Brews Within Forward Guyana Movement Post-Elections
By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News
The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) — a coalition of three parties — appeared to have avoided much of the political drama during the election season. However, just weeks after the polls, conflict has surfaced within the group, raising doubts about its unity even before the 13th Parliament convenes.
FGM’s presidential candidate Amanza Walton-Desir took to Facebook on Wednesday, alleging “bullying and intimidation” by a member of coalition partner, the Vigilant Political Action Committee (V-PAC).
“Today a line has been crossed, and I’m not going to hold myself out and advocate for women and the defence of women and remain silent on this,” Walton-Desir declared.
Her comments came in response to Facebook posts by Francis Michael Bailey, also known as “Bee-man,” a V-PAC member who insinuated that there had been a breach of trust regarding the occupation of the coalition’s single parliamentary seat.
Walton-Desir, in a subsequent Facebook Live broadcast, accused Bailey of sending her threatening WhatsApp messages, one of which reportedly read: “Give unto V-PAC what is V-PAC’s.”
She firmly rejected such approaches:
“I want to be very clear, that I do not take threat and bullying. He knows himself, and that’s the last bit of grace I will offer him.”
Walton-Desir further disclosed that during the coalition’s post-election closeout meeting, no representative from V-PAC was present. She added that a message later sent to her read: “I’m giving you one last chance to reconcile with V-PAC, or else.”
The tensions appear tied to the expiration of the original coalition agreement on September 1, meaning a new arrangement must now be negotiated among the three partners. While Nigel London has reportedly reaffirmed his support, V-PAC leader Dorwain Best has not yet commented publicly on the situation.
The dispute has cast uncertainty over the future of the coalition, with questions lingering about whether the Forward Guyana Movement can maintain cohesion as it prepares to enter Parliament.
